Teresa Forst attends all kinds of events in Lincoln, but she doesn't always attend under that name.
Most days, she's Shades the Clown.
Teresa Forst was one of 65 balloon artists from all over the world invited to participate in the Big Balloon Build in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, this month.
"I love to clown around, twist balloons and paint silly faces," she says on her website.
For 25 years, Forst has been making whimsical creations out of balloons while entertaining as Shades.
It all began when Forst got a book about balloon art from the library 35 years ago. She began taking clown classes through Southeast Community College and attended conventions around the country.
She is the clown at local farmer's markets every weekend in the summer, spends her evenings at Lincoln Saltdogs games and makes the occasional appearance at local restaurants.
But she's not always clowning around. She's one of 65 balloon artists from all over the world invited to participate in the Big Balloon Build in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
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"They pick from hundreds of artists, and they've chosen me twice," she said.
The annual event begins March 19, when Forst and the other builders begin their work. They'll use more than 100,000 balloons to cover 10,000 square feet, building a jungle, waterfall and animals to create a "balloon world."
Then, they'll open up the doors for the public to enjoy. All the proceeds from the event go to local charities Inspiration Ministries and Inspiration Coffee, which both have a mission to empower people with disabilities by providing job training, coaching and mentorship.
Forst was invited to last year's event in Indiana and she said she can't wait to get started on this year's build.
"When I'm there, I'm in my element," she said.
Forst said she's also excited to see the other designers, some of whom she's kept in touch with since last year's event.
"You make lifetime friendships," she said.
Forst pays her own travel expenses for the event, but she doesn't mind. Her husband, Mitch, accompanies her on the drive.
"It's so rewarding, knowing that you're giving back to the community," she said. "You give a balloon to someone, and no matter what language they speak, you will put a smile on their face."
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Top Journal Star photos for March 2023
Hastings St. Cecilia teammates embrace after losing to Centura in the Class D-1 girls state championship Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Elkhorn North's Britt Prince (2) walks onto court before facing Norris in a Class B girls state tournament first-round game Thursday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Centura (left) greets Cedar Catholic before a Class D-1 girls state tournament semifinal Friday at the Devaney Sports Center.
Elkhorn North's Sydney Stodden (left) and Mallory Hansen celebrate the win against York during a Class B girls state tournament semifinal game on Friday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Adams Central's Gracie Weichman (far right) embraces teammate Megyn Scott as the overtime draws to a close to win a Class C-1 girls state tournament semifinal game Friday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
North Bend Central's Kaitlyn Emanuel (23) and McKrae Muller (40) celebrate after defeating Adams Central in the Class C-1 girls state championship Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Elkhorn North celebrates after defeating Omaha Skutt in the Class B girls championship game Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Christ Lincoln Schools fourth grader Hudson Parr (right) rides the metal pig statue named Petunia as Gov. Jim Pillen watches on Wednesday.
Millard North's Avril Smith (right) and Kayla Preston (back) fight for a rebound against Lincoln North Star's Aleviah Anderson (left) during a Class A girls state tournament first-round game Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
A bank employee was taken by ambulance to a local hospital after a woman drove her car through a window of LincOne Federal Credit Union near 48th and Vine streets on Wednesday.
Lincoln Southwest head coach Tim Barada hugs Brinly Christensen as the final seconds of the fourth quarter come to a close in the Hawks' loss to Millard South in a Class A girls state basketball tournament first-round game Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Malcolm celebrates after defeating Wahoo in a Class C-1 girls state basketball tournament first-round game Wednesday at the Devaney Sports Center.
Millard West's Maddie Wallor hits Lincoln High's Briauna Robinson in the face while she scores a basket during a Class A girls state basketball tournament first-round game Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena
the Sidney bench jumps for joy after defeating Beatrice during a Class B state girls basketball tournament first-round game on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Omaha Skutt's Molly Ladwig scores a layup over Waverly defenders in the first half during a Class B state girls basketball tournament first-round game at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Pender's Maya Dolliver (center) hugs Madalyn Dolliver as their team celebrates their win over Oakland-Craig in the the Class C-2 state girls basketball tournament championship game at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Oakland-Craig player huddle up for a pregame prayer before taking on Pender in the Class C-2 state girls basketball tournament championship game at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Lincoln High's Briauna Robinson (center) celebrates with the Links' student section after defeating Millard North in a Class A girls state tournament semifinal Friday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Reach the writer at 402-473-7241 or dbennett@journalstar.com.
On Twitter @DamonJBennett
Damon Bennett
News intern
From Grand Island, Damon is currently attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Damon is a local reporting intern, in his first year with the Journal Star.
